Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Improves abdominal and midtorso contours by excising excess skin and fat and in some cases tightening of the abdominal muscle girdle. This procedure may vary from a minimal skin excision below the belly button (mini abdominoplasty) to a circumferential incision removing in the 12 inches of excess skin circumferentially around the body.

Q: What is the main risk or trade off of tummy tuck?

A: As an incision is required to remove the lax abdominal skin, the scar will result. In most cases the scar will be minimally visible, although it can be hidden in the bikini area of the body. Full maturation (fading size and color of the scar) can take up to 2 years. Temporary healing problems such as swelling, firmness, numbness, fluid collection or drainage are usually short lived. Due to the fact that the abdominal muscles usually need to be tightened, there may be a period of abdominal cramping or tightness, which limits normal activities.

Q: What determines how long the scar will be?

A: In most cases all of the skin between the belly button and pubic area can be removed. The belly button is reconstructed at a new position and dramatic changes in abdominal contour can be achieved. If, however, there is only laxity of skin in the lower abdomen, smaller skin excision and, therefore, scar would be required. In many cases the same laxity exist in the posterior trunk as what the tummy and, therefore, a circumferential abdominoplasty is required. Again the scar is hidden within the bikini area, but the tissue on the waist, back, and even buttock can be tightened at the same time.

Q: If one has had a C-section or hysterectomy and has an ugly scar can it be corrected?

A: Indented, widened, or raised C-section or hysterectomy scars are very common. The scar itself can easily be corrected at the time of the tummy tuck and the same decisions as to what type of procedure is needed will apply.

Q: Is it necessary to stay over night after a tummy tuck?

A: Most patients prefer to stay one night in our outpatient facility. However, with the development of the pain pump, which drips local anesthetic into the areas most likely to be uncomfortable, the stay can sometimes be aborted.

Q: Can you do liposuction at the same time with the tummy tuck?

A: Almost all abdominoplasties benefit from some liposuction. We must be careful not to be too aggressive with liposuction, however, as we are already compromising the blood supply to the abdominal skin. However, with conservative liposuction, I much better balance between the tight tummy and the lax hip or thigh tissues can be achieved. Again, the key is individualizing the procedure for your anatomy.

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